Savea's Toulon stint over, winger looking for New Zealand return

Julian Savea's time in Toulon is over and the former All Blacks winger is hoping for a return to New Zealand Rugby. 

Speaking to brother Ardie in an Instagram interview, the mammoth winger confirmed his time with French club Toulon was over after the Top 14 season was cancelled early.

He posted the interview on his Instagram account as well, alongside a confirmation about the end of his stint in France.

Savea said he had been considering his future with his Toulon deal ending after this season and his call had been made more straightforward with the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.

The 29-year-old said he was keen to return to New Zealand and look for opportunities to continue his career.

"It's been a bit tough," he said.

"The (French) season is done and I'm coming home soon, hopefully, once everything dies down.

"And I guess trying to get back into New Zealand rugby or find another contract but that's a five-month, six-month timeline in terms of what could happen because the Covid-19 is still ongoing.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Thank you to those who have supported me over the past two season here at RCT. I will forever be thankful for this experience and my time in Toulon. Very bittersweet moment not getting to end the season the way I wanted to, but also very excited for this next journey ahead of me. I want to thank all my brothers that I’ve played with over the past two seasons, you guys are very special to me and I’ve made some life long friendships I will cherish forever. I want to thank @rctofficiel, the coaching staff and the management for always being good to us. It’s been a long journey and not a pretty one either but the highs definitely outweigh the lows

A post shared by Julian Savea (@juliansavea7) on May 13, 2020 at 12:18am PDT

"We're waiting for everything to calm down and when teams and organisations are ready to sign again.

"Until that time comes, first and foremost I just want to get home and see the family."

Savea said the Hurricanes would be his number one target but also hinted at an interest in an NRL switch or Japan move.

"Ideally I would like to be back with the Canes brothers … if that doesn't happen then I'll see my other options. It could be another franchise, it could be Japan, it could be even maybe the Warriors. I don't know. We'll see."

Savea's potential return to the field would not be likely to happen until 2021 with Super Rugby club signings suspended for the time being.

Clubs are still allowed to talk with potential additions, though, and Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee certainly didn't rule out their interest on New Zealand Radio on Thursday morning.

“We are aware Julian Savea is making a return to New Zealand,” Lee said.

“Hurricanes management will keep an open mind about future possibilities."

Savea has been with Toulon for two seasons and it has been a turbulent ride for the rugby star.

When he arrived, outspoken Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal asked for a "DNA test" on the winger.

“I’m going to ask for a DNA test. They must have swapped him on the plane. If I were him I would apologise and go back to my home country," he said at the time.